Latch assembly

ABSTRACT

A latch assembly is provided for use on a camera or the like to retain complemental housing sections in a closed relation so as to form an opaque chamber in which film is disposed. The latch assembly includes an elongated latch pivotally mounted on one housing section and a first lock component mounted on the second housing section. The latch is biaed to assume a predetermined position of pivotal adjustment and is provided with a first portion secured to the one housing section, a second portion extending laterally therefrom and terminating at the exterior of the one housing section, and a second lock component extending from the first portion and interlockingly engaging the first lock component when said housing sections are in closed relation and the latch is in said predetermined position of pivotal adjustment. The second portion of the latch is adapted to be manually manipulated to effect unlocking of the first and second lock components.

United States Patent [191 Nesson et al.

1 LATCH ASSEMBLY [75]' Inventors: Israel Nesson, Fairlawn; Edwin E.

Faris, Wkckoff; Ronald Spezial, Vale, all of NJ.

[73] Assignee: Berkey Photo, lnc., Paramus, NJ.

[22] Filed: Sept. 8, 1972 [21] Appl. N0.: 287,573

[52] US. Cl. 354/288, 292/56 [51] Int. Cl. G03b 19 /02 [581 Field of Search 95/11 R, 31 R, 66, 67;

[56] References Cited I UNITED STATES PATENTS 7 773,382 10/1904 Folmer 95/67 1,566,470 12/1925 Flatley 292/56 2,756,633 7/1956 Brandes et al. 95/11 R 2,903,952 9/1959 Naumann 95/31 R 3,061,870 11/1962 Giannini 292/120 3,358,574 12/1967 Liverano 95/11 R 3,574,296 4/1971 Prochnow et al. 95/31 R 3,693,521 9/1972 Harvey et al 95/11 R X 1111 3,820,146 1451 June 25, 1974 Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews Assistant Etaminer-Kenneth C. Hutchison Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Neuman, Williams, Anderson & Olson [5 7 ABSTRACT A latch assembly is provided for use on a camera or the like to retain complemental housing sections in a closed relation so as to form an opaque chamber in which film is disposed. The latch assembly includes an elongated latch pivotally mounted on one housing section and a first lock component mounted on the second housing section. The latch is biaed to assume a predetermined position of pivotal adjustment and is provided with a first portion secured to the one housing section, a second portion extending laterally therefrom and terminating at the exterior of the one housing section, and a second lock component extending from the first portion and interlockingly engaging the first lock component when said housing sections are in closed relation and the latch is in said predetermined position of pivotal adjustment. The second portion of the latch is adapted to be manually manipulated to effect unlocking of the first and second lock components.

6 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures LATCH ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various latch assemblies have heretofore been provided for use on cameras or the like; however, because of certain design characteristics, each is beset with one or more of the following shortcomings: (a) the device is of costly construction and includes a plurality of components; (b) it is awkward to manually manipulate; (c) it is susceptible to accidental release thereby exposing the film disposed within the camera; (d) the components thereof are prone to become out of adjustment or out of alignment; and (e) the components thereof are difficult to assemble on the camera and sometimes interfere with its normal operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a latch assembly which is of simple, compact and inexpensive construction,

It is a further object of the invention to provide a latch assembly which is easy to operate, will effectively retain the housing sections in a closed position, and is not readily susceptible to accidental opening.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a latch assembly is provided which is adapted for use on a camera to lock a pair of housing sections in closed relation. The housing sections, when in closed relation, form an opaque chamber in which photographic film 'is disposed for controlled exposure. The latch assembly includes an elongated latch which is pivotally mounted on one of the housing sections, and is biased to assume a predetermined position of pivotal adjustment, and a first lock component which is carried by the second housing section. The elongated latch comprises a first portion mounted on the one housing section, a second portion extending laterally from said first portion and projectingoutwardly through a slot formed in the one housing section. The outwardly projecting end of the second portion is provided with an exposed knob which is adapted to be manually manipulated inone direction to effect unlocking of the closed housing sections. A segment of the knob provides a light shield for the slot, when the latch is in the predetermined position of pivotal adjustment. A second lock component extends upwardly from the latch first portion and is adapted to automatically interlock with the first lock component when the housing sections are moved to a closed relation. 4

DESCRIPTION For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the drawings wherein: FIG. I is a fragmentary perspective view of two housing sections locked in a closed relation and showing in phantom lines one of the sections in an open position.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and showing, in phantom lines, the second lock component in an unlocked position.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top plan view of one fomi of the latch.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the latch of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of one form of the latch biasing spring.

FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view of the spring of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the spring of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side elevational view of one form of knob to be mounted on the latch; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line I()-10 of FIG. 9.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, an improved latch assembly 20 is shown mounted on a housing section 21, such as a cover, which is hingedly mounted on a second housing section 22. The housing sections are normally made of a sturdy, opaque material such as metal or plastic, and may form complemental parts of a camera. When the sections 21 and 22 are in closed relation, as seen in full lines as in FIG. 1, a dark interior compartment C is formed in which is disposed a roll or cartridge of photographic film. When the sections assume an open relation, as seen in phantom lines in FIG. 1, the camera may be readily loaded or reloaded with film. The shape and size of the housing sections may vary from that shown without departing from the scope of this invention.

The latch assembly 20 comprises an elongated latch 23, see FIGS. 4 and 5, which is preferably formed of one-piece construction and includes an elongated central portion 24 which spans substantially the interior width dimension of the housing section 21 to which it is connected. The central portion 24 is provided with an offset tongue-like segment 24a having apertures 24b formed therein to facilitate attachment of the latch to the housing section 21 by means of screws, rivets, or the like, not shown. Extending laterally from the central portion and offset in the opposite direction from segment 24a is a handle portion 25 which is adapted to extend outwardly through an elongated slot S formed centrally in an end wall of section 21. Thedistal or outer end 25a of the portion 25 terminates in a recess 21a formed on the exterior of the end wall, see FIGS. 1 and 3. The slot S is of such a size as to permit the end 25a of the latch to move through an arc of approximately 15 so as to enable the latch to assume a release or unlocked position, as seen in phantom lines in FIG. 3. Movement of the latch to the phantom line position of FIG. 3 is effected by a knob 26 being manually dcpressed. The knob 26, as seen in FIG. 3, is affixed to the latch end 25a by friction, adhesive, or some other suitable means. The configuration of the knob 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, has a smooth exterior surface, and is provided with an opening 260 sized to snugly accommodate the end 25a of the latch. The knob 26 fits within the recess 21a formed in the end of the housing section 21 and may protrude but a minimal amount therefrom, thereby minimizing the possibility of the knob being accidentally depressed. The knob 26 is provided with a laterally extending, skirt-like portion 26b which is adapted to overlie a portion of the slot S formed in the end wall of housing section 21; and, thus, functions as a light shield preventing unwanted light rays from entering the opaque interior chamber C when the housing sections are in closed relation, see FIG. 3. The knob may be of molded construction.

Formed at opposite ends of the latch central portion 24 are a pair of lock components 27 and 28. Each component comprising the pair is of like configuration and includes an end piece 27a or 28a which is offset at substantially a right angle-t the central portion 24. The end piece is disposed closely adjacent the interior wall surface 21b of the housing section 21, see FIG. 2. It will be noted that the end piece extends beyond the height of the housing section wall. The outer or distal end of the end piece 27a or 28a is of tongue-like configuration and is adapted to lockingly engage a pintle 30 projecting inwardly from the wall 22a of housing section 22. As seen in FIG. 2, the edges of the walls 21b and 22a of the housing sections, delimiting the open sides thereof, interengage with one another to form a lightproof joint J. To keep each end piece 2.7 or 28 in proper alignment with the corresponding pintle 30, the lower'end portion 27b or 281) of the end piece is preferably pivotally connected at 270 or 28c to the adjacent wall 21b of the housing section.

It will be noted in F IG. 3 that the tongue-like end portion 27a has a nub 27d formed therein which engages the rounded exterior of pintle 30 and frictionally holds the end portion 27a in interlocked engagement with the pintle 30. The portion of the nub which engages the pintle surface is slightly chamfered or roundedfand, thus, when the knob 26 is manually depressed, the nub will readily slide over the pintle exterior to a released and unlocked position, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 3. Preferably, nub 27a is designed so that it overhangs or hooks over pintle 30 to prevent accidental opening of the camera. I

As aforementioned, the latch 23 is biased to assume a predetermined position of pivotal adjustment. The bias may be provided by an elongated leaf spring 31, see FIGS. 6-8, which islocated between the central portion 24 of the latch 23 and a surface 210 of the housing section 21, see FIG. 3. The spring 31 is provided at approximately i-ts mid-length with a laterally extending, slightly offset tab 31a which is adapted to be secured to surface 210. The opposite ends 31b of the spring are adapted to resiliently engage the underside of the latch central portion 24; and, thus, bias the latch end pieces 27 and28 to assume the position shown in full lines in FIG. 3. By reason of the spring 31, the latch end pieces 27 and 28 will'automatically interlock with the pintles 30 when the housing sections 21 and 22 are moved to the closed position, as seen in full lines in FIG. 1. Latch end pieces 27 and 28 each have sloped surfaces, 27e and 28e, respectively. As the housing sections are closed, surfaces 27e and 28e move along the underside of pintles 30 and eventually snap-fit over pintles 30, as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the housing sections may be closed without depressing knob 26.

While the latch assembly has heretofore been described with reference to a camera housing, it is to be understood thatit is not intended to be limited thereto, but may be readily utilized with various other types of devices having component parts which are adapted to be held in a closed position. The shape and size of the latch assembly and its component parts may be varied from that asillustrated.

We claim:

1. A latch assembly ona camera having two housing sections relatively movable between an open position and a closed position and forming a light-tight film chamber; said assembly comprising an elongated pivotally mounted latch carried by one of the housing sections and biased to assume a predetermined position of pivotal adjustment, and a first lock component fixedly carried by the other housing section and positioned to be in interlocking engagement with said latch when the housing sections are in the closed position and said latch is in said biased position, said latch and first lock component being disposed within said film chamber when said housing sections are in the closed position; said latch including an elongated portion attached to an interior first wall of the one housing section forming a surface of said chamber, and a second lock component projecting from said elongated portion for automatically interlockingly engaging said first lock component when said housing sections are moved to said closed position, said assembly further comprising an actuating portion affixed to and projecting laterally from said elongated portion and having a distal end thereof disposed on the exterior of said one housing section for manual manipulation to effect movement of said latch.

from said biased interlocking position whereby said housing sections may be moved to the open position, and, light-shielding means carried on said distal end and movable therewith to prevent leakage of light rays into the film chamber.

2. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated portion of said latch is provided with opposite ends and said second lock component comprises a pair of end pieces extending transversely in substantially the same direction from the opposite ends of said elongated portion, each end piece being positioned adjacent a second interior wall of the one housing section forming a surface of the light-tight film chamber, an end of each end piece remote from said first portion forming a transversely extending tongue-like projection 3. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the actuating portion of said latch extends through a slot formed in the one housing section and the light-shielding means includes a knob affixed to said distal end and having a segment thereof adapted to overlie the housing section slot and provide a light shield for the film chamber when the housing sections arein the closed position.

4. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated and actuating portions, and the second lock component of said latch are of unitary construction.

5. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein said latch is biased to assume the predetermined position of pivotal adjustment by a leaf spring attached to the one housing section and interposed said elongated portion of said latch and the interior first wall of the one housing section defining the light-tight film chamber.

6. A latch assembly in combination with a pair of hingedly connected complementary housing sections of a camera, said housing sections adapted to assume an open position for loading or reloading of photographic film or a closed position wherein said sections cooperate with one another to form a light-tight film chamber in which the film is adapted to be disposed for controlled exposure, one of said housing sections being provided with an elongated slot, said latch assembly being adapted to lock said housing sections in said closed position; said latch assembly comprising a latch pivotally mounted on said one housing section and biased to assume a predetermined position of pivotal adjustment, and a first lock component fixedly mounted on the other housing section; said latch including an elongated first portion having a central section attached to an interior first wall of said one housing section defining a surface of the light-tight film chamber, said central section forming a fulcrum about which said first portion pivots, a second portion integral with and extending laterally from said first portion through said one housing section slot and terminating at the exterior of said one housing section, a knob on the exposed terminus of said second portion and having a segment of said knob overlying said slot and providing a light shield for said film chamber, when said latch is in said predetermined position of adjustment and said housing sections are in said closed position, and a second lock component including a pair of substantially parallel end pieces projecting from opposite end limits of said elongated first portion and disposed adjacent interior second walls of said one housing section defining surfaces of the light-tight film chamber, said end pieces automatically interlockingly engaging said first lock component when said housing sections are in said closed position and said latch is in said predetermined position of pivotal adjustment, each end piece being guided by means on the adjacent interior second wall of said one housing section to effect pivotal movement of the latch through a predetermined arc to an unlocking position upon manual manipulation of said knob in one direction to overcome the bias exerted on said latch.

I UNITED STA'IES PATENT OFFICE V v" '1 w! T H 3 GER IIFICATE OF c'lmhcuoN Patent N0- }3I Q2Q' 1A5 Dated 73' q- 7 Inventor(s) Israel Nesson, et a1.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Abstract Page (Addresses of inventors) "Wkckoff" should -be Wyckoff Abstract 1 Column 2, line 7, "biaed" should be biased Claim 2 Column 4, line 47, "relation" should be position Signed and sealed this 5th day of November 1974.

(SEAL) Attest McCOY M. GIBSON JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents I UNITED STATES PA'IEN' I. OFFICE r 1 or T B CERIIFICATE 0F minimums] Patent No. 1 g2() l4 5 F Dated .Tnms 7Q, 1014 Inventor(s) Israel Nesson, et a1. a

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

- Abstract Page (Addresses of inventors) "Wkckoff" should -be Wyckoff Abstract y Column 2, line 7, "biaed" should be biased Claim 2 Column 4, line 47, "relation" should be position Signed and sealed this 5th day of November 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A latch assembly on a camera having two housing sections relatively movable between an open position and a closed position and forming a light-tight film chamber; said assembly comprising an elongated pivotally mounted latch carried by one of the housing sections and biased to assume a predetermined Position of pivotal adjustment, and a first lock component fixedly carried by the other housing section and positioned to be in interlocking engagement with said latch when the housing sections are in the closed position and said latch is in said biased position, said latch and first lock component being disposed within said film chamber when said housing sections are in the closed position; said latch including an elongated portion attached to an interior first wall of the one housing section forming a surface of said chamber, and a second lock component projecting from said elongated portion for automatically interlockingly engaging said first lock component when said housing sections are moved to said closed position, said assembly further comprising an actuating portion affixed to and projecting laterally from said elongated portion and having a distal end thereof disposed on the exterior of said one housing section for manual manipulation to effect movement of said latch from said biased interlocking position whereby said housing sections may be moved to the open position, and, light-shielding means carried on said distal end and movable therewith to prevent leakage of light rays into the film chamber.
 2. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated portion of said latch is provided with opposite ends and said second lock component comprises a pair of end pieces extending transversely in substantially the same direction from the opposite ends of said elongated portion, each end piece being positioned adjacent a second interior wall of the one housing section forming a surface of the light-tight film chamber, an end of each end piece remote from said first portion forming a transversely extending tongue-like projection protruding from said one housing section into the film chamber when said sections are in the closed position, and the first lock component carried by the other housing section including a pair of fixed protuberances projecting from interior walls of said other housing section forming surfaces of said film chamber and being automatically lockingly engaged by the corresponding tongue-like projections when said latch is in said predetermined position of adjustment and the housing sections are moved into closed relation.
 3. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the actuating portion of said latch extends through a slot formed in the one housing section and the light-shielding means includes a knob affixed to said distal end and having a segment thereof adapted to overlie the housing section slot and provide a light shield for the film chamber when the housing sections are in the closed position.
 4. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated and actuating portions, and the second lock component of said latch are of unitary construction.
 5. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein said latch is biased to assume the predetermined position of pivotal adjustment by a leaf spring attached to the one housing section and interposed said elongated portion of said latch and the interior first wall of the one housing section defining the light-tight film chamber.
 6. A latch assembly in combination with a pair of hingedly connected complementary housing sections of a camera, said housing sections adapted to assume an open position for loading or reloading of photographic film or a closed position wherein said sections cooperate with one another to form a light-tight film chamber in which the film is adapted to be disposed for controlled exposure, one of said housing sections being provided with an elongated slot, said latch assembly being adapted to lock said housing sections in said closed position; said latch assembly comprising a latch pivotally mounted on said one housing section and biased to assume a predetermined position of pivotal adjustment, and a first lock component fixedly mounted on the other housing section; said latch including an elongated first portion having a central section attached to an interior firsT wall of said one housing section defining a surface of the light-tight film chamber, said central section forming a fulcrum about which said first portion pivots, a second portion integral with and extending laterally from said first portion through said one housing section slot and terminating at the exterior of said one housing section, a knob on the exposed terminus of said second portion and having a segment of said knob overlying said slot and providing a light shield for said film chamber, when said latch is in said predetermined position of adjustment and said housing sections are in said closed position, and a second lock component including a pair of substantially parallel end pieces projecting from opposite end limits of said elongated first portion and disposed adjacent interior second walls of said one housing section defining surfaces of the light-tight film chamber, said end pieces automatically interlockingly engaging said first lock component when said housing sections are in said closed position and said latch is in said predetermined position of pivotal adjustment, each end piece being guided by means on the adjacent interior second wall of said one housing section to effect pivotal movement of the latch through a predetermined arc to an unlocking position upon manual manipulation of said knob in one direction to overcome the bias exerted on said latch. 